Haworthiopsis pungens

H. pungens, Braamrivier

Haworthiopsis pungens M.B.Bayer

pungens: sharp-pointed

H. pungens is proliferous species and can form clusters up to 50cm in diameter. Leave colour varies  from reddish and dark when exposed to full sun to grey-green in case of growing in protection of other vegetation. Shape of rosette with very sharp pointed leaves resembles genus Astroloba, but the flowers are from Haworthiopsis group. It differs from H. viscosa having longer, smooth and rigid leaves.

Distribution map

It was described by Bayer from area N of Joubertina, where it is sofar known from 3-4 localities only. Usually it grows exposed on steep slopes of conglomerate hills. It has really difficult life there, but plants seems to be extremelly adaptable.  It was first reported by Bruyns from area N of Joubertina and Jaarsveld from area N of Kareedouw. From the same area was recently described H. variabilis, which is close to viscosa, but differs in shape of leaves and different DNA (see separed article). 

H. pungens is not very common in cultivation. It needs similar condition as viscosa. Propagation can be done by offsetts.

Known localities:

• Braamrivier, Joubertina (3323DD)
• Joubertskraal (3323CC)
• Groot Karree (3324CC)
• Doornboom (3324CC)
  

H. pungens, Braamrivier

H. pungens, Braamrivier

H. pungens, Braamrivier

H. pungens, Braamrivier

H. pungens, Braamrivier

Locality of H. pungens, Braamrivier

H. pungens, Groot Karree

H. pungens, Groot Karree

H. pungens, Groot Karree

H. pungens, Groot Karree

Locality of H. pungens, Groot Karree